whan Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 Hi all, Have a Colt NM 1911 in 9mm - getting light primer strikes perhaps one every 40 rounds or so. Seems to be somewhat random in incidence. Plan to try some other ammo to make sure it's not specific to a certain brand / primer. Doing the pencil test, the pencil does leave the barrel but only clears by about 6 inches. Any suggestions for what to do? Perhaps changing firing pin or lower power FP spring? Believe there currently is a Wolff extra power FP spring in there currently Thanks, Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 You might pull the firing pin and clean the channel, might be some sort of debris in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whan Posted October 13, 2019 Author Share Posted October 13, 2019 Thanks Steve, the channel did feel a bit gritty to start but got better over time, but will try seeing if I can clean it in depth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 You could try a 17lb mainspring, that is what I use in a couple of 1911s and it helps the trigger pull (slightly) but I get deep indentations in fired primers. It's also possible that your firing pin could be a little short. I'd still think it may be something in the channel as it doesn"t seem to happen with a high degree of regularity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shred Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 Long firing pin if not a carry gun. Also check for a bent firing pin-- look for lengthwise scratches & rubbing on the thin section with a magnifier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcc7x7 Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 If series 80 are all the links functioning correctly? i.e. moving the FP block far enough out of the way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzt Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 If your FP is Ti, put a new, heavier mainspring in or change to an SS one. Clean the FP channel and do not lube. Some slides require longer firing pins. Dawson is the longest. Cheely and some others are next. I generally use an EGW SS FP. I have one gun that absolutely will not work with a standard length pin. If Series 80, remove all the parts and clean out the channels and holes. It is surprising how much gunk can collect. Polish all the parts before you put them back in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whan Posted October 13, 2019 Author Share Posted October 13, 2019 Thank you all - will try the above! Gun is a series 70 so will try first with cleaning and then move to new pin / mainspring if that doesnt work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Neill Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 Is this with factory ammunition, or reloads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whan Posted October 14, 2019 Author Share Posted October 14, 2019 Factory ammo - remington UMC, and some fiocchi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tompac Posted October 25, 2019 Share Posted October 25, 2019 This happened to me because the trigger overtravel screw had turned in slightly. Backed it out 1/2 turn no problem since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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